After careful consideration of the ongoing public health concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have once again made the difficult decision to hold our June 2021 convocation ceremonies virtually, as opposed to in-person.

We know that many of this year’s graduates, as well as many of those who graduated in 2020, will be disappointed by this news. We are too. However, we need to continue to ensure that the health and safety of our graduates and their family and friends, as well as the many students, staff, faculty, instructors and alumni members who support our convocation ceremonies, remains our highest priority.

When it is once again safe and permitted to do so, we look forward to inviting all of the graduates who have celebrated at virtual ceremonies to join us at in-person ceremonies. In the meantime, the University is working to create a memorable virtual graduation celebration for the summer, enhanced with the delivery of special graduation packages that will include diplomas and other celebratory items. If it is safe to do so, and within public health guidelines, we may be able to further enhance our celebration event with some limited in-person activities. We will have more details to share about these plans later in the Winter term.

For students graduating in February, diplomas will be sent out in early March, and celebration packages will arrive prior to the virtual event in the summer.

While the celebrations will not be the same as in years past, the hard work and success of our graduates is not diminished in any way. Indeed, graduating amidst a global pandemic is a testament to the perseverance and determination of our students, and we are all incredibly proud of them.

Sincerely,

Rhonda L. Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor